Delhi: Finding the silver lining in a year of transition

If those outside Delhi believe that residents of the national capital have stopped enjoying life because of persistent problems — choking air, traffic congestion and rising costs — they may need to think again. Even as 2025 proves to be a difficult year, with old challenges worsening, Delhiites continue to find ways to live, celebrate and hope.

Small civic wins, community initiatives and moments of collective joy offer light amid the gloom. Across neighbourhoods and social groups, people find reasons to believe that the city can still move forward.

Political shifts

One source of renewed optimism comes from politics and governance. Delhi goes to the polls in February 2025, and the Assembly election feels like a turning point for many residents.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party wins, and people are tired of the constant friction between the State government and the Centre. There is hope that governance will now focus more on delivery than conflict,” says Sandy Garg, a South Delhi-based businessman. “People want action, not arguments.”

Environmental milestones

Environmental activists also see cautious progress. Ashok Upadhyaya of the Yamuna Bachao Manch notes that efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna have gained significant momentum. The cleanup process accelerated this year, with approximately 20 lakh tonnes of silt removed and the legacy waste at various landfills showing a visible reduction. Furthermore, a massive afforestation drive saw the planting of nearly 70 lakh trees, turning previously barren patches into green zones.

“Delhiites celebrate festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Durga Puja, and Chhath with immense fervour. Chhath, in particular, has evolved into a quintessential festival of the Capital. This proves our capacity to celebrate life even in difficult times,” says Arvind Dubey of the Delhi Bhojpuri Samaj.

Community outreach

Local initiatives continue to bridge the gap for the city’s underserved. Organisations such as the Hope Project India and the Allama Rafiq Trust are active in education, healthcare, and vocational training. The Allama Rafiq Trust, a brainchild of Maqsood Ahmed—a science teacher at the Anglo Arabic School, Ajmeri Gate—operates a vocational centre in Suiwalan. Through the efforts of Ahmed and his associates, numerous children from economically weaker sections are gaining access to professional courses.

Sporting highlights

In the world of sports, the visit of football legend Lionel Messi in December provided a momentous highlight. Following his appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Messi described his tour as “amazing” and expressed optimism for the future of football in India. For a brief period, the presence of the global icon allowed fans to set aside their daily concerns, reminiscent of the enthusiasm seen during Pele’s historic visit to the

Ambedkar Stadium in years past.

In November, the Capital hosted the third International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) at Bharat Mandapam. Organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the event drew over 1,000 global delegates. “The tremendous interest in this conference underscores Delhi’s status as a premier international hub for mega events,” says Shailender Bebortha, Country Head (India) for Yamnaco Limited.

Cultural vibrancy

The cultural calendar remained dense with events blending literature, heritage, and performance. The year commenced with the New Delhi World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan, followed by the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in February. The 13th edition of the Delhi Literature Festival at Bikaner House, themed “Delhi Writes: Voices, Visions and Verses,” was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and featured a wide array of authors and poets.

Other significant events included the Delhi International Film Festival, art exhibitions at the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Jashn-e-Dilli Mushaira. December concluded with the Delhi Comic Con, which brought together pop culture and fiction enthusiasts.

While pollution and inflation continue to weigh heavily on the city, the progress in river rejuvenation, improvements in public transport, and strengthened community bonds suggest that for Delhiites, hope is rooted in action. As families celebrate festivals and the city infrastructure undergoes repair, the prevailing sentiment is one of cautious yet steady progress.